We're The Famous Arsenal And We're Going To Wembley!
Apr 17th, 2009 by 'holic
It’s been Dad week, one way or another, for ‘holic. From the Dad dancing exploits of a top Gooner on the small screen last Sunday (sorry mate!) to the discussions I have shared with the old man on here this week. I would like a pound for every time he spoke of being at our two previous FA Cup semi-final meetings with Chelsea in 1950 and 1952.
Both were secured by the Arsenal in replays, so history will not repeat itself this year, although I suspect there is every possibility that scores will again be level after ninety minutes. I am so looking forward to the game, and my first visit to the new Wembley, and that is only possible thanks to the generosity of another top Gooner. You know who you are, thank you.
Such has been our form of late that I would be very bullish about our chances but for all of these defensive injuries. It is almost unbelievable that we approach the game with all but three defenders ruled out by illness or injury, not to mention the number one ‘keeper.
Most of the blogs I have seen suggest that Song could drop into the back four, with Silvestre moving to left-back. Indeed that was my preferred option prior to the Villareal game. Song’s performance in midfield that night persuaded me he should remain there at Wembley, cutting out much of the supply to the hideous, but dangerous, diving queen that is Drogba.
I don’t expect my solution will happen, but I really would play Nasri at left-back. He spent much of Wednesday in that position, with Gibbs tucking slightly inside, and that provided the young defender with a degree of protection that was as unexpected as it was successful. With Arshavin ahead of him we would have our strongest attacking options down Chelsea’s right flank, where many consider they are at their most vulnerable.
As well as the enforced changes at the back I suspect that our Champions League progress may lead to some rotation elsewhere, with Denilson, Diaby, Bendtner and Eduardo all available I would expect to see at least two of those in the starting eleven. Tuesday’s Premiership visit to Anfield may also influence the selection. Obviously I personally would rather we went with our strongest available eleven in every game, but we should be aware by now of the faith that Arsene has in his squad.
The ‘holic pound is nervously punted this week. I mentioned earlier that I suspect we may be heading for a draw in ninety minutes. With that in mind I have had a little pop at us to win in extra-time, available at tens from Paddy Power. With a bit of luck that will pay a garage bill I anticipate on Monday!
I am so looking forward to what should be a tremendous atmosphere. The pub is sorted, it would appear, so now all I need to do is book my taxi to the station in the morning, make sure I have enough beer vouchers with me, and what else? Oh yes. Remember the tickets. Now where did I put them?
Up the Arse!
34 Responses to “We're The Famous Arsenal And We're Going To Wembley!”
Mojito, it’s the weekend!
Up the arse indeed.
It is indeed. I’ll start with a pint of Stella to get a bit of a beer buzz going but will probably settle for an evening of Extra Cold Black Gold.
Good luck for tomorrow’s trip ‘holic. I know how confusing those Paddington station tube exits can be. 🙂
Have a good one though and here’s to the Dads! Cheers.
Welcome Arse royalty! No mojitos here. Citrus fruit, indeed any fruit is in short supply in my kitchen. I’m looking forward to next week too…
Hey Snail, leave that Stella alone. Seriously bad for molluscs that stuff 😉
Holic, I hope that is not where you have put your ticket???????
Tickets too big Steve. They are huge 😉
What is strange about the last ten days is that Arsene did not even consider getting Big Phil back as backup? I suspect that he will play the same formation as Villareal IF, Gibbs is fitt. If not then we may have to play Nasri there…but never rule out Arsenes mind games…he may promote Ayling or frimpong or Coquelin. Anyone of these kids would not let us down believe me Ive seen them several times this year and they are good enough.
Well that is a relief.
Cautiously optimistic about tomorrow but could do without the defensive absentees. Think it could well be a case of attack being the best form of defence. Can certainly see Diaby playing, for his height if nothing else. Arshavin will start. Hopefully we can pass the ball as we have done and rip them to bits when they are getting tired. I predict a big game for Theo. He could be the difference.
Keep the faith
Up the Arse……. Keep your ticket safe.
I think 3-2, either way.
Drogba is a nightmare to deal with for us. So I would like Song to play at center back for that reason. Whatever the Boss goes with we have to back him.
COME ON THE GUNNERS
Oh dear oh dear, I extremely excited and nervous for the football in the next several weeks!
…and I have my final exams at uni, too…dilemmas, dilemmas.
I’ll have a Guinness, please.
Best of luck with those exams ey. You are doing it the right way. I couldn’t wait to get out of school at sixteen and start earning some Arsenal vouchers! Doing my degree twenty years later was a labour of love, and no bloody use whatsoever 🙂
This is the largest ticket I have ever seen. It reminds me of a token check being awarded to charity. Had I not watched it come out of the oversized envelope in which it was mailed, I met be tempted to think it a fake! I couldn’t fit it in my pocket on the way home and instead had to carry a tote bag to lug it around with me. Watch out for the supposed strike of transport workers, anyone know how it’ll impact mobility to and from the ground?
A Shepherd Neame spitfire for me ‘holic.
Enjoy the game, also my virgin visit.
Am nervous. I am praying 4 tge guys. We win 3~1
Gibbs is going to shake off any minor injury he might have because there is no way the young Englishman is going to miss playing at Wembley for Arsenal against London rivals Chelsea. If I had this chance I would play with a broken leg! 😉
Like Steve T, I’d be much more confident if our defence hadn’t been decimated. It pisses me off that we’ve waited so long for Cesc, Theo, Ade and Eduardo to come back, and when they finally start to return, we’re hit with a fresh wave of injuries.
No other team gets as many injuries as we do. I’d love to know why it is.
Hopefully we can beat the scum anyway.
Heh ‘holic! Have a great time geez, see you soon. Lager please and plenty of it.
Enjoy ‘holic.
Don’t forget the lucky scarf
Approaching the final furlong of the season, and we are still very much in 2 cup comps. Our recent form is so good i’m feeling quite bullish about our chances tomorrow. Arshavin and Theo should really be able to get behind their defence and cause havoc.
UP THE ARSE!!!
Oh, i’ll have a mojito, as off to Spain on Monday…….happy days.
Hey, my prediction for tomorow is 3-1 to arsenal…chelsea will score in the last 3 minutes but the match will be burried by then…trust me guys thats how i feel and i know ths is true.I will come back here to remind u of my prediction.
Please visit my arsenal blog…www.arsenal4us.wordpress.com
LETS GET BEHIND THE TEAM, I CAN SEE US WINNING!!! GOOD LUCK AND GOD BLESS
‘holic – as Jacks said – the lucky scarf!! You know the penalties for failure.
*strokes whites cat*
Interesting that with all our defensive worries, most of the TV speculation is on Peter Cech and the seven goals he’s let in in the last 180 minutes.
I have a funny feeling that Gibbs will be fit. I think the same back four will start as against The Yellow Tub.
Theo, Cesc, Song, Denilson in midfield, with Cesc free to push forward.
Robin and Arshavin up front. I like it!
It’s not going to be easy and much will depend on Song and Denilson working their tails off; Cesc being Cesc at his best; Theo and Arshavin driving holes that Ade and Bendy wouldn’t. Pace not power.
Ade and Dudu to start against Liverpool in the week. Come on You Gunners! Enjoy the game all.
If Arsenal make through tomorrow, they will have be as worthy finalists as ever.
We are being stretched till breaking point and the character Wenger often has talked about needs to show through now. Every player will need to work his socks off.
And finally it comes down to how badly they want it.
Let’s roll, gunners.
Enjoy the game tomorrow ‘holic!
I’ll stump for a 3-2 Arsenal win. Can see a few goals throughout the game, with Arsenal finishing on top.
Like others, worried about the defensive frailities but hopefully Gibbs will be match fit in time.
In midfield Arshavin, Cesc, Walcott & Song. Robin & Ade up front. Why not? At the top of our game, we will overcome the financial muscle of Chelsea.
Come on Arsenal!!!!!!
After the big build up to the game concerning both teams defences.
I have a sneaking suspicion this game will be decided by a red card – controversial red card.
[…] I agree with ‘holic today, I can see this one going to extra time, perhaps even after a 2-2 draw, and I’m hoping a pace injection from the bench (Walcott, Eduardo, Vela…) could nick it. So the ‘holic pound has gone on an extra time win, and so has mine, 10/1 at Sportingbet. I was tempted to back my 2-2 theory at 16/1, but I haven’t, so hopefully I won’t be regretting that later. […]
Oh well – reminiscent of the Carling Cup final a couple of years ago, except I am not sure we played so well this time round. We gifted them acres of space in the middle and the generosity shown to Dogbag was the difference on the day.
I’m going to have another large Brandy in my office.
*slams toilet door*
bit unlucky bit bad decision by the manager (why leave out arshavin and song?) and substandard performance by the team
I think so too. Can only guess he is saving Song for the European games, but why not start with Arshavin? Think we were too negative with our passes and we played the ball backwards too often.
No Arshavin No song.. Why the hell may I ask?
Absolutely pathetic decisions by Wenger.
On the positive side we can now focus on the CL semi and . . . well that’s about it.
Well, until Arsene decides this would be the ideal opportunity to blood the under 18s . . . .
As for today, can someone remind me – or more especially Arsene – why we paid a load of money for Arshavin to sit on the bench?
Yours, once again,
Unimpressed
Disappointed to be honest. Thought it was a poor game with very little quality. 3 keeping errors decided the game. We were far too negative and I do not know why. Disappointed because they were there for the taking and we did not go for it.
Best we buck our ideas before Tuesday night…
Keep the faith………………
im gueessing wenger had a good reason for keeping song on the bench but arshavin??? villa’s draw made 4th look alot more secure and cescxy in the hole????…oh well as the above says KEEP THE FAITH
she wore a yellow ribbon…and she’ll wear it AGAIN
Very poor. No attaking – only two shots on goal. What little possession we had came with no control or penetration. Defense was questioned before the game but midfield and attack were useless. Theo ran fas and got nowhere, and he was the best we had. Humiliating. Le boss’s team selection and subs were just dreadful and hopeless. that unbeaten run has just distracted from the reality. We are a very poor squad.
Holic, thanks for visiting my website……..bless